🏥 USMLE Exam Prep

A 32-year-old G3P2 woman at 34 weeks gestation presents to the emergency department with sudden onset painless vaginal bleeding. She denies contractions or abdominal pain. Fetal heart tones are reassuring. An ultrasound at 20 weeks gestation showed a placenta covering the cervical os. Which of the following is the most appropriate immediate management?

A Perform a digital vaginal examination to assess cervical dilation
B Prepare for immediate cesarean delivery
C Administer tocolytics to stop any uterine contractions
D Admit for close observation, continuous fetal monitoring, and maternal stabilization

✓ Correct Answer: Option D

This patient has placenta previa, characterized by painless vaginal bleeding in the third trimester. Digital vaginal exams are contraindicated due to the risk of exacerbating hemorrhage. Management typically involves expectant management, hospitalization for observation, and anticipating a scheduled cesarean delivery when stable, usually between 36-37 weeks.

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